Multi-faceted magnetic hinge system for coupling objects, including eyewear

Abstract

A magnetic hinge system includes a first hinge member associated with a first object, such as the frame of a primary eyewear, and having outwardly-facing facets. A second hinge member is attached to second object, such as a secondary eyewear, and defines a slot having inwardly-facing facets configured to overlie less than all of the outwardly facing facets of the first hinge member. At least some of the facets are magnetized or include magnets to couple the second hinge member to the first hinge member, and permit selective segmented rotation relative to one another. The second hinge member may also define a second slot configured for insertion of a portion of the secondary eyewear therein. A track may be used for supporting at least one hinge member, and provide attachment to a bill of a visor or hat.

1. A magnetic hinge system for rotatably and removably coupling a first object and a second object, comprising:
 a first hinge member associated with the first object, the first hinge member defining a hinge axis, and having a plurality of generally planar outwardly-facing facets disposed about the hinge axis; and 
 a second hinge member attached to the second object and defining a slot having a plurality of generally planar inwardly-facing facets configured to overlie less than all of the outwardly-facing facets; 
 wherein at least some of the facets of the second hinge member are magnetized or include magnets to couple the second hinge member to the first hinge member and permit selective segmented rotation of the second hinge member relative to the first hinge member about the hinge axis. 
 
   
   
     2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first hinge member includes at least five facets. 
   
   
     3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the second hinge member includes at least half as many facets as the first hinge member. 
   
   
     4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the first hinge member comprises a hexagon and the second hinge member includes three facets overlying three outwardly-facing facets of the hexagon simultaneously. 
   
   
     5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein approximately 180 degrees of the exterior surface of the first hinge member is overlied by the second hinge member. 
   
   
     6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first object comprises a primary eyewear, and the second object comprises a secondary eyewear. 
   
   
     7. The system of  claim 6 , including a crossbar attached to the primary eyewear frame and supporting the first hinge member. 
   
   
     8. The system of  claim 7 , wherein the crossbar is attached at opposite ends thereof to a plate attached to the primary eyewear frame, between a pair of lenses. 
   
   
     9. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the second hinge member defines a second slot configured for insertion of a portion of the secondary eyewear therein. 
   
   
     10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the second slot includes a fastener for retaining the secondary eyewear therein. 
   
   
     11. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the facets of the second hinge member engage rear facets of the first hinge member when the primary and secondary eyewear are positioned parallel to one another. 
   
   
     12. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the secondary eyewear comprises safety eyewear. 
   
   
     13. A magnetic hinge system for rotatably and removably coupling primary and secondary safety eyewear, comprising:
 a crossbar associated with a frame of the primary eyewear, the crossbar supporting a first hinge member defining a hinge axis, and having at least five generally planar outwardly-facing facets disposed about the hinge axis; and 
 a second hinge member attached to the secondary eyewear and defining a slot having a plurality of generally planar inwardly-facing facets numbering at least half as many facets as the first hinge member and configured to overlie approximately 180 degrees of the exterior surface of the first hinge member; 
 wherein the facets of the second hinge member engage rear facets of the first hinge member when the primary and secondary eyewear are positioned parallel to one another; and 
 wherein at least some of the facets of the second hinge member include magnets to couple the second hinge member to the first hinge member and permit selective segmented rotation of the second hinge member relative to the first hinge member about the hinge axis. 
 
   
   
     14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the crossbar is attached at opposite ends thereof to a plate attached to the primary eyewear frame, between a pair of lenses. 
   
   
     15. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the first hinge member comprises a hexagon and the second hinge member includes three facets overlying three outwardly-facing facets of the hexagon simultaneously. 
   
   
     16. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the second hinge member defines a second slot configured for insertion of a portion of the second eyewear therein. 
   
   
     17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the second slot includes a fastener for retaining the second eyewear therein. 
   
   
     18. A magnetic hinge system for eyewear, comprising:
 a track adapted for attachment to a first object and having a first hinge member associated therewith, the first hinge member defining a hinge axis, and having a plurality of generally planar outwardly-facing facets disposed about the hinge axis; and 
 a second hinge member attached to a second object and defining a slot having a plurality of generally planar inwardly-facing facets configured to overlie less than all of the outwardly-facing facets of the first hinge member; 
 wherein at least some of the facets are magnetized or include magnets to couple the second hinge member to the first hinge member and permit selective segmented rotation of the second hinge member relative to the first hinge member about the hinge axis. 
 
   
   
     19. The system of  claim 18 , wherein the track is attached to a bill of a hat or visor. 
   
   
     20. The system of  claim 18 , wherein the second hinge member is attached to an auxilliary eyewear. 
   
   
     21. The system of  claim 20 , wherein the auxilliary eyewear comprises a safety shield or eyewear. 
   
   
     22. The system of  claim 20 , wherein the second hinge member defines a second slot configured for insertion of a portion of the auxilliary eyewear therein. 
   
   
     23. The system of  claim 22 , wherein the second slot includes a fastener for retaining the secondary eyewear therein. 
   
   
     24. The system of  claim 18 , wherein the first hinge member includes at least five facets, and wherein the second hinge member includes at least half as many facets as the first hinge member so as to overlie approximately 180 degrees of the exterior surface of the first hinge member. 
   
   
     25. The system of  claim 18 , wherein the facets of the second hinge member engage rear facets of the first hinge when the primary and secondary eyewear are positioned parallel to one another. 
   
   
     26. The system of  claim 18 , including primary eyewear extending downwardly from the tracks. 
   
   
     27. The system of  claim 26 , including a third hinge member attached to the tracks and defining a hinge axis, and having a plurality of generally planar outwardly-facing facets disposed about the hinge axis, and a fourth hinge member attached to the primary eyewear and having a plurality of generally planar inwardly-facing facets configured to overlie less than all of the outwardly-facing facets of the third hinge member, wherein at least some of the facets are magnetized or include magnets to couple the third and fourth hinge members and permit selective segmented rotation of the fourth hinge member relative to the third hinge member.